Forgotten Bafana Bafana star a wanted man in Turkey!

Bafana Bafana international Bongokuhle Hlongwane could be about to switch the United States of America for Europe very soon! 

Hlongwane has been playing his football in the USA for Major League Soccer side Minnesota United FC. 

Hlongwane arrived at Minnesota in January of 2022, signing from then DStv Premiership side Maritzburg United. Interestingly enough, before he put pen to paper with the American side, widespread reports in South Africa were convinced he had signed for champions Mamelodi Sundowns. The player later admitted that there were indeed talks and a deal in place, but opted to further his career abroad at Minnesota.

Hlongwane joined Minnesota in 2022

And what a decision that has proven to be! Since his arrival at the club, Hlongwane has been an instant fan favourite. His performances on the pitch have largely been the reason for that. He is also a dearly loved by the club’s social media platforms. Despite a slow start, where the winger was clearly adjusting to the league, the club remained patient with him. He scored just two goals, while laying five assists, to finish his maiden season with seven goal contributions in 30 games. 

Hlongwane would step it up a notch, in his second season at Minnesota. Again, he played 30 time, scoring eight goals and providing 3 assists. That made for a goal contribution of 11. During this time, he was also a regular at Bafana Bafana level, helping the country qualify for the 2023 Afcon in the Ivory Coast.

Unfortunately an injury slowed down his progressed at the end of the season. That, plus the MLS schedule and his form, eventually cost him a place in the Bafana Bafana set up. Hlongwane is slowly picking himself up though, with five goal contributions in 14 matches so far this season. That form may have gone unnoticed to Hugo Broos, but not to two Turkish teams, according to reports. 

According to transfermakt Turkish giants Besiktas as well as Trabzonspor are interested in signing Hlongwane from Minnesota.

Wanted in Turkey by Besiktas and Trabzonspor

“WANTED IN TURKEY?

News coming out of the Turkish media report that esteemed clubs Trabzonspor and Besiktas are interested in the services of South African winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane of Minnesota United. 

Hlongwane has been a key figure for his MLS club in the last two seasons.” Wrote the website. 

With this being Hlongwane’s third season at Minnesota, it could be the right time to step up and move to Europe. Either Besiktas or Trabzonspor would be good options, which could also save his international career.